Venezuela has lost its '21st century socalist,' and the United States has lost a self-proclaimed foe. Hugo Chavez has died after a long battle with cancer, according to Vice President Nicolas Maduro.

Known for his speeches on the evils of capitalism, he was very vocal about his hatred for the U.S. — so much so that he began influencing other leaders on their stance. He had not been publicly seen since December, when he underwent his 4th surgery due to the cancer, which was not a good sign for the nation.

He was a polarizing leader, because while he did do some good for his own constituents, even creating massive social programs for the country's poor during his time in office, he was known to suppress politicians and private media who opposed him. He was a staunch believer in socialism, and said he would believe in it until the day he died.

He was 58 years old.

While we do not agree with most of his policies and politics, the loss of a major life should be noted. His friends, families, and followers have lost a leader, and loss is never easy.

It's unfortunate that people had to make this about him, and not the young people's graduation.

Actor Danny Glover, who has caused a bit of controversy as of late for his friendship with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, his opinions on climate change and activism in protests for the working class, was invited to be the keynote speaker at the Utah State University graduation ceremony. This apparently didn't go over too well with some people, who chose to attend the event for the sole purpose of booing the actor!

Ick!

The biggest source of disruption allegeding came when Glover failed to put his hand over his heart during the color guard's flag ceremony, which led to boos from the audience!

Glover later explained:

"I was listening to the national anthem and paying attention. I probably wasn't the only one in there who didn't put a hand over their heart. People have problems sometimes with what I believe and who I talk to. I try to respect people, honor them."

Luckily, the haters were for the most part drowned out by the cheers from families of graduating students and Glover supporters.

We're glad that he chose to keep the focus on his job as keynote speaker and not be affected by the dramz! We may not always agree with him, but we applaud his attitude!

Sean Penn's publicist, Mara Buxbaum, is speaking out in defense of her client.

Penn has been criticized as a "stooge for left-wing dictatorships" as he's been known to meet with douchebags like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro and then "write nice things about them."

If you recall, Penn was even hanging out with Chavez just this past October.

His rep, Buxbaum, says in Penn's defense that "Sean does not endorse dictators. Like him or not, Hugo Chavez is a democratically elected official."

She incredulously adds that "Sean is a champion of civil rights."

Yea, you go Champion!

Despite what his publicist says, Penn continues to praise the Castro and Chavez regime. Sean even said, "Chavez may not be a good man. But he may well be a great one."

WTF?!?

Buxbaum also stated, you "may not always agree with Sean, who aggressively questions and challenges the status quo in ways that aren't always polite." But Sean "asks questions, and questions the answers he gets."

The Venezuelan Comisión de Finanzas de la Asamblea Nacional has just approved an extra $9 million to Danny Glover and his production company, Louverture Films.

The Finance Commission had already approved about $18 million last year for the project!!!!!!!

The money is being spent to create a film about the life of the Hatian pro-independence leader, François Dominique Toussaint Louverture.

Toussaint Louverture was a freed African-American slave, who led thousands of slaves in campaigns against the foreign troops, before he was betrayed and exiled. He passed away in 1803, shortly before his followers were able to establish Haiti's independence.

Chavez is hoping that this film will help to improve his public opinion and appeal by showing a movement against Western oppression.

Dictator President Hugo Chavezhas ordered that The Simpsons TV show be removed from all broadcasting in Venezuela.

Why?????

The animated program was deemed "unsuitable for children."

Apparently, the show was on the verge of breaching the "Law of Social Responsibility in Radio and Television."

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said The Simpsons pushed “messages that go against the whole education of boys, girls and adolescents”.

The show will no longer appear in its 11:00am time slot. Instead, the government has opted for a more "educational" show.

BAYWATCH!!!!!

They're playing BAYWATCH over THE SIMPSONS, because apparently Bart and Lisa are just too hazardous for kids to watch!

As of today, the NTC has yet to explain how a cartoon show is more of a threat to children than almost naked ladies, wet from head to toe, in extra tight bathing suits.

Elba Guillen, a spokesperson for Televen TV station, said “It had to be taken off. The government considers it to be a series that isn’t appropriate for that time because it isn’t appropriate for children.”

OMG!!! And Baywatch at 11am is appropriate for children???

The manager of Televen, Perez Nahim, said “We are hoping it will continue to have a good rating, because The Simpsons worked very well - so much so that it had the highest levels of viewership for that morning timetable in the history of the channel."

Yea, that makes sense, remove the highest watched cartoon show on the network.

"My metabolism actually changed like crazy this year. I have Hashimoto's disease. It's a thyroid disease, and it's now been two years since taking the medication for it, so for the VS show I didn't want to lose any more weight, I just want to have muscles in the right place, and if my butt can get a little perkier, then that's good."